On June 12, 1999, George H.W. Bush celebrated his 75th birthday by jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. His wife was not amused. Nor was she pleased when, five years later, he jumped again to celebrate his 80th birthday. “If the jump doesn’t kill him,” she said, “I will!” In fact, Barbara nearly got her wish because George “forgot” to pull the rip cord on his parachute! Some people tie a string around their finger. Some write themselves a note. Others say to someone else, “Remind me to …” God gives us reminders in the Bible, and Deuteronomy 10:12-21 contains three great ones to study.
First, we need to remember the grace of God (vv. 14-15). God chose Israel above all nations (Exodus 19:5-6). God has chosen you and I above all people if we have obeyed Christ’s gospel. We did nothing to deserve this. It was because of God’s grace (Acts 15:11; 2 Timothy 1:9).
Second, we need to remember the goodness of God (vv. 12-13, 16). Because Israel belonged to God, she, as a nation was to act accordingly (Exodus 20:1-17). As Christians we are to act as the children of God (1 John 5:18). We should fear the Lord, walk in His ways, love Him, serve Him, and keep His commandments all our days.
Third, we need to remember the greatness of God (vv. 17-21). Israel had experienced God’s greatness (Exodus 15:6-10). As a result, Israel was to be motivated to behave as God would have her to behave. Because of God’s greatness to us, we too, should motivated to behave like His children (1 John 4:11).
Kyle Campbell